title: Best Budgeting Apps Under $117 for Freelancers (2025)
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: Discover the best budgeting apps designed specifically for freelancers, all under $117, to help you manage your finances effectively in 2025. This comprehensive guide covers key features, pros and cons, and expert insights on each app.
tags: [finance]
image: ""
Best Budgeting Apps Under $117 for Freelancers (2025)
Managing finances as a freelancer can be challenging. In an industry where income can fluctuate greatly from month to month, having a reliable budgeting app is crucial. This guide explores the best budgeting apps available for under $117 in 2025, providing you with the tools you need to track expenses, manage income, and ensure financial stability.
Overview
Freelancers often face unique financial challenges, from irregular income streams to varied expenses associated with different projects. An effective budgeting app can help you track your earnings, monitor spending, and plan for future financial goals. In this guide, we will review the top budgeting apps suitable for freelancers, highlighting key features, pricing, and user feedback.
Top Picks
| Name | Best For | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| YNAB | Comprehensive budgeting | Real-time tracking, goal setting, and educational resources | $84 |
| Mint | All-in-one personal finance | Expense tracking, credit score monitoring, and bill reminders | Free |
| EveryDollar | Simple budgeting | Zero-based budgeting, easy expense tracking, and user-friendly interface | $99 |
| PocketGuard | Expense management | Automatic expense categorization and financial insights | $34.99 |
| GoodBudget | Envelope budgeting | Digital envelope system, expense tracking, and shared budgeting | $60 |
| Wally | Expense tracking | Receipt scanning, multi-currency support, and budget tracking | Free |
| Spendee | Travel budgeting | Multi-currency support, shared wallets, and customizable categories | $59.88 |
| Honeydue | Couples budgeting | Shared budgeting, bill reminders, and expense tracking | Free |
In-Depth Reviews
1. YNAB
Price: $84 per year
Best For: Comprehensive budgeting
Key Features:
- Real-time tracking of income and expenses.
- Goal setting for savings and debt repayment.
- Extensive educational resources and community support.
Pros:
- Encourages proactive budgeting.
- Excellent for freelancers with variable incomes.
- Strong community and support network.
Cons:
- Requires a learning curve for new users.
- Subscription-based model may not appeal to everyone.
Expert Insight: YNAB is particularly beneficial for freelancers who want to take control of their finances by planning for income fluctuations.
2. Mint
Price: Free
Best For: All-in-one personal finance
Key Features:
- Complete overview of financial accounts.
- Expense tracking and budgeting tools.
- Credit score monitoring and alerts.
Pros:
- Completely free with no hidden fees.
- User-friendly interface.
- Automatic transaction syncing.
Cons:
- Ads can be intrusive.
- Some users report issues with categorization accuracy.
Expert Insight: Mint is ideal for freelancers who want a comprehensive view of their finances without the cost, making it a popular choice.
3. EveryDollar
Price: $99 per year
Best For: Simple budgeting
Key Features:
- Zero-based budgeting approach.
- Easy to track expenses and income.
- User-friendly interface.
Pros:
- Straightforward setup and use.
- Focus on budgeting principles.
- Syncs with bank accounts for real-time tracking.
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version.
- Not as comprehensive as some competitors.
Expert Insight: EveryDollar is perfect for freelancers looking for an uncomplicated budgeting tool that aligns with the zero-based budgeting philosophy.
4. PocketGuard
Price: $34.99 per year
Best For: Expense management
Key Features:
- Automatic categorization of expenses.
- Insights into spending habits.
- Ability to set spending limits.
Pros:
- Helps users understand their spending.
- Simple interface with visualizations.
- Customizable budgeting options.
Cons:
- May not have as many features as some competitors.
- Limited bank connections.
Expert Insight: PocketGuard is ideal for freelancers who want to keep tight control over their spending and understand their disposable income.
5. GoodBudget
Price: $60 per year
Best For: Envelope budgeting
Key Features:
- Digital envelope budgeting system.
- Syncing across multiple devices.
- Expense tracking and reporting.
Pros:
- Great for users who prefer envelope budgeting.
- Easy to use and set up.
- Allows for shared budgeting with family or teams.
Cons:
- May require manual entry of transactions.
- Limited automation features.
Expert Insight: GoodBudget is a solid choice for freelancers who appreciate the envelope budgeting method and want a straightforward tool.
6. Wally
Price: Free
Best For: Expense tracking
Key Features:
- Receipt scanning feature.
- Multi-currency support.
- Budget tracking capability.
Pros:
- User-friendly and intuitive design.
- Great for tracking expenses on the go.
- Strong reporting features.
Cons:
- Some users report bugs in the app.
- Limited integration with bank accounts.
Expert Insight: Wally is perfect for freelancers who travel or work with multiple currencies and need a mobile-friendly expense tracking solution.
7. Spendee
Price: $59.88 per year
Best For: Travel budgeting
Key Features:
- Multi-currency support.
- Shared wallets for group budgeting.
- Customizable categories for expenses.
Pros:
- Excellent for travelers and freelancers working internationally.
- Visually appealing interface.
- Easy to use with strong features.
Cons:
- Limited features on the free version.
- Some users may find the mobile app less functional than the web version.
Expert Insight: Spendee is particularly useful for freelancers who travel frequently and need to manage expenses in different currencies seamlessly.
8. Honeydue
Price: Free
Best For: Couples budgeting
Key Features:
- Shared budgeting features.
- Bill reminders and financial goals tracking.
- Expense tracking for both partners.
Pros:
- Great for couples managing finances together.
- Simple and effective interface.
- Free to use with no hidden costs.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for solo freelancers.
- Limited features compared to dedicated budgeting apps.
Expert Insight: Honeydue is a fantastic option for freelancers who are also managing finances with a partner, offering a unique shared budgeting experience.
How We Picked
When selecting the best budgeting apps for freelancers, we considered several factors:
- Affordability: All apps listed are priced under $117, making them accessible for freelancers.
- Key Features: We evaluated the essential features that freelancers need, such as expense tracking, income management, and budgeting tools.
- User Feedback: We analyzed user reviews and ratings to ensure the apps are well-received and effective.
- Ease of Use: The interface and usability of each app were critical in our selection process, as freelancers need to manage their finances efficiently.
- Customer Support: We considered the availability of customer support and educational resources, which are crucial for users unfamiliar with budgeting apps.
Alternatives
If the apps mentioned above don't meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Personal Capital: Best for investment tracking but has budgeting features.
- Tiller Money: Offers spreadsheet-based budgeting for tech-savvy users.
- Zeta: A budgeting app tailored for couples, focusing on shared finances.
FAQs
1. What is the best budgeting app for freelancers?
The best budgeting app depends on your specific needs. YNAB is highly recommended for its comprehensive budgeting features, while Mint is great for an all-in-one solution.
2. Are these apps secure?
Most reputable budgeting apps use bank-level encryption and security features to protect your financial data. Always check the app's security policies before use.
3. Can I use these apps on my phone?
Yes, all of the mentioned budgeting apps have mobile versions or apps, allowing you to manage your finances on the go.
4. Do I have to pay for these apps?
Most apps mentioned have free versions, but for advanced features, you may need to subscribe to their premium plans. Prices vary from free to $117 per year.
5. How can budgeting apps help freelancers?
Budgeting apps help freelancers track income, manage expenses, set financial goals, and understand spending habits, providing a clearer picture of their financial health.
6. Do these apps integrate with my bank accounts?
Most of the apps listed offer bank integration to automatically track transactions. However, be sure to check compatibility with your specific bank.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right budgeting app can significantly improve your financial management as a freelancer. With options ranging from comprehensive tools like YNAB to user-friendly apps like Mint, you can find the perfect fit for your unique financial situation. Take the time to explore each app's features and pricing to ensure you make an informed decision that supports your freelance journey in 2025.